Life is like licking honey off a thorn...
God promises a safe landing - but not necessarily a calm passage...

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Finding Financial Peace

Spending Money Wisely

See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord has swore he would give to your fathers - to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - and to their descendents after them."

Deuteronomy 1:8

What is given is not automatically yours.

The land will not be possessed without a battle.

You are called to possess the land WITHOUT.Always remember where we started. Remember how hard when first started. Never be proud.

You are called to possess the land WITHIN.

Faith extends God's authority in every area of our living.... internally and externally. Have faith in God for a successful live.

There are challenges from WITHOUT.

Possess the land.

1st Settle Your Heart, Not Your 'Debt'

The search for significance and contentment.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32

ARE YOU GLAD YOU ARE YOU?

2 OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE TO CHOOSE FROM

1)Self worth = performance (own action) + others' opinion

2)Self worth = God's truth about youThe first choice will make you a slave to the world. You will never find the true meaning of life and some might end up in depression.

The second choice is my choice. Leave everything in God's hands.

Finding Contentment

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

Satisfaction with one's possessions, status or situation is contentment.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

So we say with confidence," The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:5-6

How To Spend Money Wisely

1. Have the respect for money.

If you have RM100, you bought a pair of jeans for the brand sake, you will have no more

RM100 to spare anymore. Think before you buy. Always ask yourself, do you really need it?

2. Understand NEEDS, WANTS and DESIRES.

Needs = essential items

You need to put the food on the table. You need to clothe yourself. You need money to run the

household. You need petrol to travel.

Wants = items which you are eyeing on

You wanted a pair of Nike sneakers. If it is within your means, then get one! But if you have to

borrow from your friends the every single dollar, then shelf that plan away. If you want

something, get it within your budget.

Desires = coveting for something

You desire to own a BMW. Weigh this first, by driving a Kancil and BMW, it will still bring you

from A to B.

You desire for a holiday in Disneyland in Florida. Think about this, the exchange rate will make

you work like a cow when you're back from the holiday. Is it worth every single moment? In

the end it still become history in your life.

You desire for a bungalow. There are only 4 person in your family. Can you stay in every

single angle and are you really taking up so much space? A home is a place of shelter, more

like a resting place for those who spend much of the time in an office or out on the road. In

the end, your maid will enjoy staying in the bungalow more than you do.

4. Focus on fulfilling those things that matter the most.

Stewardship must result in both joyful giving and spending, if it is to be regarded as good and

faithful.

HE WHO HAS LITTLE AND ASK FOR LESS, IS RICHER THAN THOSE WHO HAVE MUCH BUT ASK FOR MORE.